Web-savvy entrepreneurs look to help local businesses

May 2, 2012|DAVID DIPINO dddipino@tribune.com

Offering a free Web page that will shoot straight to the top of Google and other search engines, Palm Beach Business Network leader Thomas Graver Sr. and SmartGuy.com founder Jordan Wexler said they've found the perfect business model.

Wexler is based in Los Angeles but has 600 city networks in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Graver has been brought in by Wexler to run the Boynton Beach and Delray Beach business networks, which feature localized free listings in the PalmBeachBusinessNetwork.com directory.

Ranging some 30 miles north to Jupiter and south to Fort Lauderdale, the business offers a free optimized Web page showing rank on the top of major search engines in about two to three weeks' time.

"You will also be able to offer local consumers your goods and services via the most powerful local directory, which offers discounted goods and services, jobs and even barter," Graver said.

What makes PalmBeachBusinessNetwork.com different, Wexler said, is that only three professionals in each category will be listed on the website.

"The first three plumbers who sign up will be featured, and that's it. It's a directory with great data and a business network connecting professionals to the people," Wexler said. "These businesses aren't just listed; they have to fill out information. With only three professionals, businesses who sign up will be in a lucky spot."

About a month after setting up, businesses in the network are offered a premium plan by the business network and SmartGuy.com, Wexler's software company. The premium plan sells for $49 a month and enhances the global outreach for the company using Smart Guy's optimization techniques. The premium plan includes a YouTube production, keyword hits and story publication on the website.

"But that's not a mandatory option. Once you're on the network, you're on for free," Graver said.

The connection they're making is growing so rapidly that Wexler said a major TV production company has contacted him about featuring the business network and SmartGuy.com on the TV show "Shark Tank."

In the local arena, Graver said he's dedicated to helping consumers find a professional, save 50 percent on local services, find a job, barter and help businesses grow online and offline.